Academic Poll: Humans vs. Zombies

Union’s edition of the chase-each-other-with-Nerf-guns game Humans vs. Zombies kicks off next week, and has prompted some discussion of whether this is just a harmless way of blowing off steam, or an existential threat to the core mission of academia. While some of this has been vaguely entertaining, it ignores the really important question: Who… Continue reading Academic Poll: Humans vs. Zombies

Musical Poll: Blinded by the WTF???

A very silly musical poll question, brought to you by the local classic rock station’s music selection this morning: Which of these makes more sense:online surveys On an unrelated note, it’s deeply unfair that sleeping really late puts SteelyKid into a worse mood than not getting enough sleep does.

Weather Poll: White Stuff

Another day, another snowfall. Sigh. Thus, a poll: Snow on April 1 is:online survey Snow, even in springtime, is depressingly, boringly, classical, so you may choose one and only one option, not a quantum superposition of multiple answers.

“Quantum Kitchen” Ought to Mean Something Else

I am less enthralled by the “molecular gastronomy” thing than someone with my geek credentials ought to be. As a result, I was a little disappointed when I clicked the link (from Jennifer Ouellette on Twitter) to this Wired story about a new tv show called Marcel’s Quantum Kitchen. Because, you know, there are much… Continue reading “Quantum Kitchen” Ought to Mean Something Else

Another Commercial… What Are the Odds?

This year’s NCAA tournament is being spread over four tv networks, so that every game is shown in its entirety. Previously, you got whatever game was deemed to hold the most interest for your region of the country, plus occasional looks in at games elsewhere, that usually managed to miss the most exciting bits. For… Continue reading Another Commercial… What Are the Odds?

Your Can’t-Miss NCAA Bracket for 2011

Even though the really important Final Four has already been decided, the Division 1 NCAA basketball championship starts this week, which means it’s time to fill out your championship brackets. And so, as usual, I present the guaranteed-can’t-miss-sure-thing method of picking the winner based on the rankings of Ph.D. programs in physics (excerpt displayed; click… Continue reading Your Can’t-Miss NCAA Bracket for 2011

Musical Poll: 99 ___?

It’s the last week of the winter term here, so here is a totally serious and important music-related poll question: Which do you prefer?survey software (OK, maybe the end-of-term craziness is making me just a tiny bit punchy…)

Dorky Poll: Favorite Prime Number?

A pretty straightforward question: Which prime number do you like the best? What’s your favorite prime number?online surveys This is a purely classical poll, so you only get to choose one favorite, not a superposition of multiple numbers. Your selection is legally binding, so choose wisely!